The Northside Festival began yesterday and I am thrilled to be attending again! Sponsored by the publishers of Brooklyn Magazine, for 10 years, the Northside Fest is a mash-up of an Innovation Festival and a Music Fest – sort of a mini-SXSW. The festival has prided itself on being a music discovery festival that’s created by Brooklyn, for Brooklyn. In years past at the Northside Fest, Solange headlined her first U.S. festival; Chance the Rapper played his first New York show in a packed Polish disco and Brian Wilson performed Pet Sounds for 6,000 fans in the heart of McCarren Park. Last year’s headlining acts included sold-out shows by Miguel, Dirty Projectors and Thursday and emerging bands Girlpool, Jay Som, Big Thief and electronic producer Jlin.

I am on my way today to the Innovation conference which will bring together business and thought leaders to participate in keynote talks, interviews, panels, pitch competitions, immersive VR activations and parties. Last year’s speakers included Mayor Bill de Blasio, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, SNL’s Sasheer Zamata, hotelier Ian Schrager, writer Piper Kerman and Kickstarter CEO Yancey Stickler. The (first-ever) theme will be “Future Making”, highlighting the ideas and people that are driving change in our world, as well as how we can use this new thinking to make ourselves more future-proof.

Head over and support this burgeoning local fest. Get your tickets and badges here.